Southern Nite Sky Tours
Southern Nite Sky Tours will help you enjoy a night observingthe stars and learning about the night sky.
On commencement of the tour (weather permiting) there will
be an introduction and safety talk.
Then a naked eye ramble through the main visible constellations
and a description of how the night sky changes each night
and time of year.
A view of the sky with Binoculars showing the star clouds of the
Milky Way seeing the night sky much as Galileo did 400 yrs ago.
Then onto the Telescopes showing selected objects from the
moon, planets, nebula and even Galaxies.
After visual observing then watch as a modern amateur
telescope and ccd camera delve far beyond human eye capabilities.
See the Southern Cross the smallest constellation in the sky
packed with bright stars!
View the star closest to our Solar system Alpha Centeraus
Surf the craters and mountains of the moon be amazed at this
alien landscape.
Visit other members of our solar system as they wander around
in the night sky from tiny Mercury to distant Uranus,
Suggested programme
Our site is located at Strathdale Honey Ltd’s
premises on the outskirts of Middlemarch,
Central Otago. On arrival an opportunity to see
through the Organic honey production is
available.
Then we recommend having an evening meal at
one of the eateries in Middlemarch.
After dinner, usually about an hour
after dark, return to Straithdale Honey for the
commencement of the night sky tour.
Location :- Strathdale Honey,
Middlemarch, Central Otago
Southern Nite Sky Tours is a weather and Moon dependant
tour, and as such cloud, wind and other weather factors can
modify or cancel the tour without warning. However, we will
endeavour to give an experience in astronomy that will show
the way in which modern professional and amateur
astronomy is changing, and how we view and understand the
universe around us.
While every reasonable effort will be made to help
you see and experience the night sky tour, please be aware
that when in a dark sky site such as our observation site at
Middlemarch, the sheer number of stars often visible can be
confusing. Some individuals can also be unknowingly suffering
from night blindness, especially as we age our night vision
can be impaired. Nonetheless, we are sure you will enjoy your
night viewing, especially if you get a good rest the day before
and take time for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
Safety at night is always a concern. Please ensure to
follow any instructions from the staff and bring a small torch,
but limit its use as even a small white light can reduce the
night adaption of your eyes. Remember telescopes often have
tripods and cables to power these and laptops so please walk
slowly and carefully.